"When the ball was hit it was hit high and I kind of lost it for a second because of the skylight," said Graham. "But once I saw it coming down and knew it was within reach it was a pretty exciting feeling. And just to secure the ball and to start the celebration was something else."
Graham was a standout on the 2006 Oregon State team that beat North Carolina for the national championship. Like other players lucky enough to feel the joy of winning it all, Graham says the Rosenblatt experience is something he will never forget.
"It's a childhood dream of many of ours and many of the fans, to actually get there, to watch it on TV as a little kid," Graham said. "But to actually get the chance to go there and play, not just to play but to win the whole thing is something that I'll never forget."
A three-sport star in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana, Graham says his only scholarship offer came from the Beavers, despite batting .430 with 71 stolen bases in American Legion ball as a senior.
"I knew Oregon State wasn't the best program when I got first got there," Graham said. "But all the guys came together and it ended up being truly special."
Fast forward to 2010, and the 26-year-old Graham is focusing more on the mental side of baseball. The result, he says, is a team-leading .368 batting average.
"I just think 90% of it or maybe even 100% of it lies in your mental ability," said Graham. "That's the one thing I changed from the previous years to this year. I know it's a short time but I'm looking to keep it up and just stay consistent the whole year."
